About

About

Welcome

Today's world represents a dynamic and interconnected web of environmental and social challenges, complicated by the realities of rapid urbanization and political uncertainty across the globe. The complex problems faced by modern day planners and policymakers cross city, state, and national boundaries, and require creative thinkers with the tools to address these problems head on. The Department of Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning was founded over four decades ago around the core values of social justice and sustainability, and we continue to educate and impact policy and planning at the local, regional, and national levels. We encourage free-thinkers and problem solvers, and pride ourselves on educating the next generation of leaders — 'practical visionaries' — who will contribute to the development of inclusive and sustainable communities across the globe.

What makes us unique among planning and policy schools? At the heart of our program, whether you study climate change resilience or housing policy, is a commitment to social justice and an understanding of the cultural and social implications of policy and planning decisions. Our faculty are active in research and practice, representing a diverse mix of scholars, change agents, and seasoned practitioners. Our core courses provide a well-rounded education of critical planning and policy skills, and a flexible set of electives allow students to customize the program to their interests.

At a time of great uncertainty in this country, a UEP education gives students the tools and content expertise to make change and progress a reality for the communities they serve. Our alumni find themselves in critical roles in government, nonprofit organizations, citizen advocacy groups, international NGOs, and the private sector, both in the U.S. and across the world.

We also provide a wide range of joint and dual degrees for students interested in gaining additional content expertise and skills in fields such as law, business, public health, economics, diplomacy, and nutrition. Students not interested in pursuing a joint or dual degree can still develop cross-disciplinary training by taking electives in other departments and schools across the Tufts community.
We invite you to explore our website and learn more about our degree programs, faculty, and students, to discover whether UEP is the right place for you.